Husqvarna 967953803-00 Operator's Manual

17OPERATIONRead the Safety section and following pages, ifyou are unfamiliar with the machine.TrainingDue to unique steering capabilities, zero turnmowers are far more maneuverable than typicalriding mowers.Review this section fully prior to trying to move themower under its own power. When first operatingthe mower or until becoming comfortable withcontrols, use a reduced throttle speed andreduced ground speed. DO NOT move controllevers to the furthest forward or reverse positionsduring initial operation.First time users must become familiar with themower’s movement on a hard surface, such asconcrete or blacktop PRIOR to trying to operateon turf. Until the operator becomes comfortablewith the mower controls and zero turningcapability, overly aggressive maneuvers maydamage turf.SteeringTo move forward and backwardThe direction and speed of the mower’smovements are effected by the movement of thecontrol lever(s) on each side of mower. The leftcontrol lever controls the left wheel. The rightcontrol lever controls the right wheel.First time users must push the mower (seeMoving Machine By Hand in the Operationsection) to an open, flat area without otherpersons, vehicles or obstacles nearby. To movethe unit under its own power, the operator mustsit in the seat and start the engine (see BeforeStarting in the Operation section). Adjust theengine speed to idle, disengage the park brakebut do not engage the blades at this time. Pullcontrol levers inward. As long as the control levershave not been moved forward or backwards, themower will not move.Slowly move both control levers forward slightly.This will let the mower start moving forward in astraight line. Pull the control levers back to theneutral position and stop the mower from moving.Pull back slightly on control levers, allowing themower to move backwards. Push the controllevers forward to the neutral position to stop themower from moving.To turn to the rightWhile moving in a forward direction, pull the rightlever back towards the neutral position whilemaintaining the position of the left lever, this willslow the rotation of the right wheel and cause themachine to turn in that direction.To turn to the leftWhile moving in a forward direction pull the leftlever back towards the neutral position whilemaintaining the position of the right lever, this willslow the rotation of the left wheel and cause themachine to turn in that direction.To zero turnWhile moving in a forward direction, first pull bothcontrol levers back until the mower stops or slowsdramatically.Then by alternating one lever slightly to theforward position and the other in the reverseposition, complete the turn.WARNING! The engine exhaust containscarbon monoxide, which is a odorless,colorless, poisonous gas. Do not use themachine in enclosed spaces.The following conditions must be fulfilled beforethe engine can be started:• The blade switch must be pressed down intothe disengaged position.• Both steering / park brake controls must be inthe locked (outer) position.WARNING! Make sure the work area isfree from objects that could be thrown by therotating blades. Clear the lawn of stones andother objects.Before Starting1. Read the sections on Safety and Controlsbefore starting the machine.2. Do the daily maintenance before starting (seeMaintenance Schedule in the Maintenancesection).3. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the fueltank.4. Adjust the seat to the desired position.IMPORTANT INFORMATION The seat shouldnot be adjusted while the unit is in motion.